Swapping the mountains of Tennessee for Devon and Cornwall’s glorious rolling hills and sparkling coastline, Bobby has embraced the change in landscape and people since his journey across the pond. He spent many years in Plymouth, taking every opportunity to soak up the wild, rugged landscapes of Dartmoor, before hopping over the border into Cornwall. Since moving from the north coast, he has found his home in Falmouth and has fully integrated into this welcoming community. Monday to Friday, he works for Bailey’s Country Store, and two days a week, he leads history and ghost tours around the town for Falmouth Uncovered, run by Will Hazell - who also happens to be our history columnist (see page 9). Bobby also runs the Tennessee Bob Show on SourceFM, playing a range of Americana, country, rock and folk tunes to the masses.

His latest venture, though, means donning the traditional robes, hat and bell of an English town crier. With this comes the added responsibility of ensuring his lungs have the ability to recite the bellowing of ‘Oyez, oyez!’ at Falmouth’s events, grand openings and ceremonies. Bobby describes this opportunity as a ‘once-in-a-lifetime appointment’.

“A town crier’s job is to promote the town during civic events, attend new openings, and be a positive force in the community,” he said. “I’m happy to have this opportunity, and feel honoured to be the town crier. Falmouth has an amazing community, which I have been able to explore through the history and ghost tours I do with Falmouth Uncovered each week.”

Bobby currently runs one history and one ghost tour a week, which are popular with tourists and locals alike. Flocks of people stream from visiting cruise ships to walk the historic streets of Falmouth, and he even found a fellow Tennessean - from his home town - on one walk in the summer.

So how does Falmouth compare with Oak Ridge, Tennessee?

“Growing up, I was surrounded by Native American and Civil War history," Bobby explained. “My home town played a big part in the making of the first atomic bomb, and gets a mention in the movie ‘Oppenheimer’, so I’ve naturally always gravitated towards an interest in the past. While living in Plymouth, I started a history podcast for the city, and when I came to Falmouth, I had Will (from Falmouth Uncovered) on my show one night. Afterwards, he asked if I would be interested in helping him out with his tours, as they have grown over the last few years, and of course I said yes!”

While Tennessee’s dramatic, beautiful landscapes cannot be compared to Cornwall's equally as stunning coastal backdrops and patchwork hills, Bobby has found that the attitudes of the Cornish are exactly what he has been looking for in a community.

“I wanted to be somewhere more progressive, and people are quick to call out unkind and hateful behaviour in Cornwall,” he said. “While some have expressed some uncertainty around having an American town crier, the response has generally been really positive; people have been very welcoming.

“I’m really humbled and honoured, because I know how historic it is here. I believe I’m Falmouth's first American town crier. For me, it's about promoting the town; Falmouth has much to offer, something that we should all embrace.”

Some proclamations Bobby has already attended so far include the Penryn Park Run, events at Falmouth Week, and anniversary celebrations.

A spokesperson from Falmouth Town Council said: “Falmouth Town Council is delighted to officially appoint Bobby Inman as the new Town Crier for Falmouth. Bobby approached the council with enthusiasm about reviving this traditional voluntary role.

“A long-standing local resident, he brings energy, pride and a real affection for Falmouth. We’re confident he’ll represent the community with character, flair and unmistakable volume, and we look forward to seeing - and hearing - him at events throughout the year.”

If you have a celebration, opening or event that you would like Bobby to attend, he encourages everyone to get in touch, and follow him on Facebook and Instagram for all updates: @falmouthtowncrier

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